Skip to main content

PSYC 800

PSYC 800: Introduction to Counseling Psychology

Prerequisites: Admission into Psy.D. program or permission of instructor

Credit Hours: (3)

This course will include examination of (a) the development of counseling psychology as a distinct field; (b) the present state of counseling psychology; (c) projections of the future of the field; and (d) topics of special importance to counseling psychologists (e.g., diversity, social justice, prevention).


Detailed Description of Course

This course may include the following topics:

I. Historical developments in counseling psychology
II. Present emphases in counseling psychology
III. Anticipated developments in counseling psychology
IV. Areas of special importance to counseling psychologists
        A. Diversity (broadly defined)
        B. Prevention
        C. Social Justice
        D. Vocational psychology
        E. Methodological diversity
        F. Strengths and resources/Positive psychology
        G. Development emphasis


Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This course will provide students with a solid foundation in the field of counseling psychology, including past, present, and future aspects of the field. The course will include a significant amount of reading and writing along with experiential activities, a project, and group discussion. It will primarily be conducted as a seminar with an emphasis on student participation.



Goals and Objectives of the Course

At the end of this course the student should:

1. Be able to describe counseling psychology according to APA’s documents
2. Be able to describe the historical foundations of counseling psychology
3. Be able to articulate several issues that are crucial to counseling psychologists
4. Be able to describe where the field is headed, according to research and analyses by leaders of the field


Assessment Measures

Students will be assessed using several measures, which may include grades on written assignments, for participation in group discussion and experiential activities, and performance on the project.


Other Course Information

None


Review and Approval

December 2007